Sole source replacement of a Zeiss XRM500 X-ray Source

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT:

PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT ACTION CODE:

SPECIAL NOTICE SUBJECT: Sole source replacement of a Zeiss XRM500 X-ray Source.

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

NB647000-24-02826 RESPONSE DATE:

7/26/2024 DESCRIPTION: The National Institute of Standards and Technology's, Materials Measurement Science Division in Boulder CO utilizes a Zeiss XRM500 X-ray computed tomography instrument, which was purchased in 2012. This equipment is currently under a service contract from the manufacture for a labor on repairs and discounted parts. In June 2024, the X-ray source on this instrument failed and needs to be replaced.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC located in White Plains, NY to replace this X-ray source. Sole Source justification is based on the following:

Market research has shown that Carl Zeiss is the sole company who can provide this equipment upgrade to NIST. Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC is the original equipment manufacturer and sole provider of the X-ray source meant to integrate into the existing equipment. The only X-ray source that Carl Zeiss Microscopy will install, under the existing service contract, and guarantee that the instrument will function is one that they provide.

The instrument is designed to accept only one kind of X-ray source, which is the model of the original X-ray source designed by Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC. Zeiss Microscopy has stated they are the only authorized source in writing. NAICS code for this requirement will be 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a small business size of 1000 employees. No solicitation package will be issued.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 1:00AM EST on 7/26/2024 will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiry POCs Erik.Fycklund@nist.gov Primary Donald.Graham@nist.gov Secondary National Institutes of Standards and Technologies NIST Acquisition Management Division (AMD) 100 Bureau Dr. Mail Stop 1640 Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-1640